Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1XKd9qqaw
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN4C8TzoNY
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She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPbLA9MOYx
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"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2R1X3ziwY
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TiAnwpiAC
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuS1ctSZrE
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Flinty shrugged.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmgTW3Zd4X
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwwbbzRpLz
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJNUHOKD4s
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW4j7Tsbsn
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"Why don't we ask them?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6ClRYKWg9
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"Not a bad idea."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJLDQqxJSE
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Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WsQFszbtR
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My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwxpP6uM4P
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"Wow, is this a farm?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3IU3xSvRD
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ2Z9m7xod
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9mxipJrdH
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpcJcl0FKZ
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInNQNgr5Wb
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"Uh, Flinty?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtqKvvi5GZ
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICR3K8pYjQ
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"Kenny!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdijM1diNiS
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaugW8RSqQ
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSgEU6y89i
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmwTYjsE5M
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EomlW43qs
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyg3eCyrzO
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"Okay."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VBcp0PAgh
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I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY7fRUrx3m
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM0Lg1ZZ9R
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHLynC2j53
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob2xRkxK7H
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0l5Mq8Jpq
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Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AhIqE6igh
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"Vikky!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNbfb0Y95i
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Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJLi2EXIES
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Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobq5LCw5x8
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfAal29ipd
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She looked strangely amused.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlXObO4l03
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"Full name? Alright."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqjejvynHi
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTnO4037z5
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"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8fCJmcfNN
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"Yes."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnznqOFEb1
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"Then let's get along."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tGkQcYDX2
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQN2jbGZ5u
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fo24Le2LC
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo9waXxDnM
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6vgdCMzdd
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKEk2VVJiZ
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMccwhiO5rX
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGUwyY0bYb
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr7tPV01Bk
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"What, why?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0viFlwkfd
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExCcYqdCAL
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7yGxVGBCu
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Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPFLoTw5b7
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"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNJQGg0lmY
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCnBseTPKG
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB29PQshd2
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1FQCPGZDu
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M0dfihWhr
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo9fW6sXeT
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3deXSiS5j
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1FRT4WLTi
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIdu2nYthZ
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I made a grumpy face.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ffC1vuYK0
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1te78SPXaT
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUDjuySIGp
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcpNAuPbLj
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ5tLPJ89i
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zhNEk1lnu
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It's worth a try if nothing else.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4h2F54A1N
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K6iUF6Yb0
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFMoYSUD4X
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuALO761WT
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD3MYBpYo1
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"Yes."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8jyQ0UXmF
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"Can I see the crops?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWj0B7XpEE
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"Uh, you can."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBCaKLr1qO
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrZi8CRvv7
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzLx66wVyv
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Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCto4kTI41
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYBkI5I6L4
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"W-What the hell is that!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCTQZJlBHT
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdIZ3knI6T
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"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgYC7eYeL0
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTecM4iiTB
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOYvQt0mKU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8KykyMejZ
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7665QbFZ1X
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5AVbXO0Ds
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYfGm9RJ1j
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXqWWw1PjZ
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqQSlK22dX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRbRyrp8eP
"What are you doing?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkwPzz05QE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPftRN6mHJ
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiBJ9Nhzjn
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbhVvEzTc1
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg8bhkJKWf
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgFETRKy9q
"You're an angel."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqHZF9x1AM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKCju40kkW
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqLXDsRnGq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhRR0aOFBC
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIQSIg7qXW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqlg2z01ic
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQw4G9Ez29
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There were very strange people in this city.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsEodnbIJ9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxwm7ZZAUf
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBcRi4O6vS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGojSawvT4
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QUln9EPhV
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos65vmPWda
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT94kxxAlKo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZtI7Xm6KF
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOOQGBoMe6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsiydLMcSS
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTHodmV7NG
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRZFcog5XD
"Really?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ovUFrBtrc
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She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7xKHRhbqh
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf6S6STEEp
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRocNev0rZx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNMWoJQzsV
"Yes! Let's do it!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpmdH1qV3T
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"Fine by me."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7QupphrF2
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Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXEFCQmigt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUJt6uDBn8
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68CF8GmAac
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYJUo1pote
"Is something wrong?" I asked.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1rbNqQ21D
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"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpuprAnPa3
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Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3nKiy73UN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdnZ6HeCVJ
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oiftORH1V
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnaGaOUfX7
"Is that so?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuJj104Yqd
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Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDWzQJCX2A
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL3r2WkrVL
"Please, enter right here."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbESqX4bWOO
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRtyPOikre
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbMDXldBjr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ORI9ugzlM
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIcs0Qa1D6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY74b1Uwc9L
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bx90gewnX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdJEVkhjpo
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATsKiW5TlD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeq0oVHHxS
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUmx1mpCPe
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviVLV7gdcq
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmkjvR44H6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr9O3T2zT7
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNFNGcejjn
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX31QTg47j
"R-Right."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKMUbOCe7r
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyoYwwdiGG
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmalzzgAxFY
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7uoGHVHmG
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4xnmZH2Dp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH1QXggRrM
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OUCu0xIgV
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjPZKX9ijq
I nodded.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx17KTWv6U
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l3mVaqNUp
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KmkQWtn5X
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfYk4gFRM9
I raised my hand.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL1C5woQtB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60lH9h3qDZ
"Yes, Kenny?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWrBTpBxAY
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9KgT7SNoU
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhinF6NoM5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHOLlS05Uo
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EJH6dcPsM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3FL35FZ3U
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6r9aS5n9q
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDjAlU9yiR
"Allowed to brew?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWlo7e8ZCu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAX2UmZj7R
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86dQPNYBKt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0LM1RDtCK
"I see."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq0jxa7wsV
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd7jt3nojg
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed8v35iynD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOYAp69rbr
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ2Bpp5Zyl
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"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6SQ06NjGe
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCCH9BasKS
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3CyHNdMtR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3e0NXQA1l
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOcjZktJYa
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfySPCR7itl
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgig1RqN8z7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OHTiVeycC
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KsiiNuZxF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulhx337QNk
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpchhDPcdqg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzsIOSretH
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QmnG1AsTa
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeAZ44PJIR
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiE40MaD80
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSdr5VPABI
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau8sR8rHOf
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNCbKgrICo
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjXfu5vDkM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRe1X3q2HG
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxerwOtWaBw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrRmsD8Yhc
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN7qG5dqZr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBUZ8qsY7Y
"...Wow, this plan sucks."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZqKFA8Uc5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXragtDsV8P
"Kenny!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP678QPJFPl
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Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizdXJ8FKJt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDZUjB6T9M
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlSIwR4rsb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD8D72Jf5H
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVTmT0w31z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3wcnbUj7u
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneoHPw9a9K
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"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1IPFNiEgt
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I nodded, but something was bothering me.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxkw8mfwAA
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"Will the people really all come together?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e1vPsnMPt
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Linda stepped in.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmM2n5dTdh
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"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQYjbMq7nG
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEhTyPd1MD
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlmEInYgfF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKzprzBXkF
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xldI6o3B6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vhWsVnr77
"Mhm!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQQp8mxmUl
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Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtopuwVlEcG
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqYW8KzZfG
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjCfMGYQHv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI9YpctaUv
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUnkPfQVqg
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I was having second thoughts.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ru8wcKJ21
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I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O1IjnyIhG
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufoikoq79o
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpiK4rHS35
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8L3aI0tVs
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pHO72Nvg5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWPP6udW79
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9HO1IWgFx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fjHpHK7yT
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAcLl20rmV
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezh5pKQ4or
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gb55vKXTS
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I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xqu6x5dba
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Phew.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbzxe3NiPm
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The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1dwlPsLNz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfROA5hecT
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKVpGXkYuO
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"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqqNJtbsgl
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0eO7RTsOs
"Huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKFPRbk9Uk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFUTOjQb5R
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbxcs6JgEq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F7P1pK85F
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPzUZ4EJQ5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNTUsSUqiP
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTeNm1EWdr
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"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAJqtxeQAw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXF3cd1kce
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ92N1b01X
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJNkkgJtGi
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JaIkPWUZz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxj2bWcFqq
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4vq4FEwV1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RPseZsy42
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxTbIkkKr4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCoWsLhfuk
She looked suspicious of it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4zZdCjEy7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBIzTbbxog
"How do I know it's safe?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevV2WFDRnC
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gKJtXlVyo
"I can drink it right now and prove it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKtZR9Cn4b
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpDz7lafk4
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQjaF2yrlt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ255itxzS9g
"Fine. I'll try it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2myzHpN7I
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhRl05zDrO
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR24Rr4kkQg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nCnF7MkjW
"...Okay, fine. It's good."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewm7jYVIWv
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Yes!145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C1Q9crxnx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jmGuraVdv
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZWuQcjO3k
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJW1N8g9cq
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN8w7W6ME5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhAEER3xC7
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVQFqwT4Cx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ2tJSWUG3
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1D424tNU4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1zcl1ApJu
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlTIyRp0ra
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"What are you doing?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmyFKCJwMq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILyC646vLX
"Passing the time."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Al9ZkcjA
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"By making fun of my face?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkyNbD1YJ7
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"I'm not making fun of you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhltxRvRuB9
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She laughed a little.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyTFGGS6Ah
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcymhXJLC1
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00mR5wMgJJ
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"Of course."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYV5KSOcFW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd8qOuJ8Sn
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSASIPFQBB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVMPW4QiwK
"How'd you two meet?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjsZkZbbFW
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"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IGJzVwbuZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREuyrBOEAc
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
